The Pelóri (Q, pron. [peˈloːri]) were the mountain-fence of Aman. The highest peak of the Pelóri was Taniquetil, on which were the mansions of Manwë and Varda.

History

The Pelóri were raised by the Valar to defend against the evils of Melkor after he destroyed their original dwelling-place at Almaren.

They were the tallest of all mountains, and the tallest of the Pelóri was Taniquetil, on which stood the high mansions of Manwë and Varda. Behind them to the West, the Light of the Trees shone, but the narrow shores beneath their eastern feet were in darkness.

Etymology

The Quenya name Pelóri translates as "the fencing or defensive heights".[1] In a manuscript, Tolkien connects the name to Quenyapelo ("a boundary (fence)") and pella ("beyond"), deriving from rootPELE.[2]Christopher Tolkien suggested that the first element derives from pel- ("fence, enclosure").[3] The second element is likely or, "mountain".

The Pelóri were also called the Mountains of Aman and the Mountains of Defence.[1]